The music industry is one in which a person has to hustle to make it to the top. Whether it's on the creative side or on the business end, making it in the music industry takes tenacity and the ability to work harder and longer hours than most. Billboard magazine has collected productivity advice from music industry bigwigs, including presidents, CEOs and producers. Below are the stand-outs.

Rob Light, managing partner and head of music, Creative Artists Agency: “Lay out your to-do list the night before and tackle the toughest issue of the day first.”

John Janick, president and COO, Interscope Geffen A&M: “Spending time with my child in the morning and being there to put him down at night, whether or not I have to go out later that evening. That gives me a recharge and a balance in my life. It’s important to have that on/off switch.”

Tom Corson, president and COO, RCA Music Group:“I try to rehearse the day. The concept of preparing and visualizing the day during a morning walk or exercise helps put you in a positive, elevated state. It gets your mind and body humming; you’re emotionally prepared. It makes the tougher days a little less tough and brings positivity to your day and the people around you.”

Jody Gerson, co-president, Sony/ATV Music Publishing: “What helps me is keeping this Ernest Hemingway quote top of mind: ‘There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man. True nobility is being superior to your former self.’ It’s about working first to become the best you can be for yourself.”

Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald, songwriter and producer; owner, Kemosabe Records; owner, Prescription Songs:“Stay motivated by the irrational fear that it could all end at any moment.”